I’m a pretty hardcore Fantasy reader and lover. Fantasy reads are always on my TBRs and at the top of my lists. I love nothing more than getting into a new series. Getting close to the end of last year, I was feeling reflective and I took a look through my bookshelf for some favourite series I own. I got so reminiscent that I wanted to share some favourites! For me, the following list is not exhaustive by any stretch, but some of the best and most loved series I’ve read.
Obernewtyn Chronicles – Isobelle Carmody
I read this when I was in my teens, and its one of those series that has stayed with me. Elspeth and the other Misfits grow into such powerful characters and people in their own right from their humble beginnings at Obernewtyn.
Isobelle Carmody has a style and way of telling stories that is entirely her own. We see this style nurtured and grow as she does in this series, as Elspeth does as a main character. In some ways, I felt like I grew up as an adult with this series.
As a writer, Isobelle Carmody has always captured me with the way she weaves and writes stories. I’m hoping for a re-read of the entire series as soon as I can and I can’t wait to experience it all again.
The Sevenwaters Trilogy – Juliet Marillier
Every now and then you read a series that changes you. I felt like that when I read Daughter of the Forest, the first book in the Sevenwaters Trilogy. It was the book that gave me my firm love of reading. The tales of Sorcha and her family’s later descendants is magical and enthralling. Even now, I’m pretty sure there are aspects of Sorcha that I think moulded me into who I am today.
This series (and her many other books) are why Juliet Marillier remains one of my favourite authors today.
Vampire Academy – Richelle Mead
Rose Hathaway was the first YA heroine I read that I disliked. That’s a good thing. Quite often YA characters are written in ways that are immersive and the characters always do what you expect. Not Rose. She is fiery, tough and will kick your butt if needed. I
I really loved the badass-ery of this series. The first time I read it, I finished all six books in a week.
The Stormlight Archive – Brandon Sanderson
I firmly believe that one day the Stormlight Archive will be a modern High Fantasy classic series. While the series is still being written by author Brandon Sanderson, readers will need to wait patiently over the next few years for the series to be completed.
What I love about the series so far is how rich and vibrant the world is. Sanderson is known for his realistic world-building when writing Fantasy and the level of skill as you read is immediately apparent. More to the point, the plot is mesmerising and the myriad of characters interesting and keep you turning the pages.
The Witches of Eileanan – Kate Forsyth
This is a classic Australian fantasy series. The lore in this series is so well-written and immersive. I read this series in my late teens and there’s something special about the books I read in those years; they just have a special place in my heart. Isabeau and Iseult are treasured characters to me, while the interweaving of Celtic mythology and folklore was something that kept be adoring this series over the years.
This series is another on a re-read pile that I hope is coming soon! I’d love to read it again as an adult with new experiences and perspectives.
What’s a much loved fantasy series that you’ve read?
